Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies, very popular in the United States, was incorporated into cookie recipes in the 1940s during World War II. This combination with chocolate has become a classic in American households, and today this pairing is enjoyed internationally for its balance between sweetness and saltiness.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 115 g (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 120 g (1/2 cup) of creamy peanut butter
• 150 g (3/4 cup) of brown sugar
• 100 g (1/2 cup) of granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 200 g (1 1/2 cups) of all-purpose flour
• 30 g (1/4 cup) of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 150 g (5.3 oz) of dark chocolate chips (or milk chocolate)

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cream together the butter, peanut butter, and both sugars (brown and white) until you achieve a light and creamy texture.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
4. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula.
7. Form dough balls using a tablespoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
8. Bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• For a texture contrast, use peanut butter with chunks or add chopped peanuts to the dough.
• Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker, softer cookies.
• Don’t overload the cookies with chocolate or peanut butter to prevent them from becoming too heavy.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Substitute dark chocolate chips with milk or white chocolate for added sweetness.
• Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on each cookie before baking for an even more pronounced sweet-salty contrast.
• Incorporate pieces of roasted peanuts or almonds for extra crunch.

Bake Time 🔥

Baking takes about 10 to 12 minutes at 180°C (350°F). The Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies should be lightly golden on the edges but soft in the center.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

These Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or almond milk. For a more indulgent option, hot chocolate or a sweet coffee will enhance the flavors of peanut and chocolate.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Arrange the warm Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies on a plate with some roasted peanuts or chocolate pieces for decoration. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an even more indulgent dessert.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

Peanut butter contains healthy fats, proteins, and fibers, making it a nutritious ingredient. Additionally, dark chocolate is a source of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which are good for the heart. Although these cookies are calorie-dense, they provide beneficial nutrients when consumed in moderation.